Billy Wilder and old partner I.A.L. Diamond take on "The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes" in this 1970 film, a late edition to the Billy Wilder oeuvre. Holmes (Robert Stephens) and Watson (Colin Blakely) take on the case of finding a Belgium woman's husband, against brother Mycroft's (Christopher Lee) wishes. This to Holmes means there is government involvement, and he takes it on with zest. It leads him to the wilds of Scotland.
Apparently this was a longer film. As it stands now, it has some great stuff in it, and also some parts that drag. The acting is superb all around. Stephens, a wonderful actor, is superb as a darker Holmes, Blakely makes a lively Watson, and Geneviève Page is excellent as Gabrielle Valladon. Wilder gives us a deeper look at Holmes and his sexual identity. Lee as a bald Mycroft does a great job - it's inspired casting.
Though this film has Wilder touches, it's not immediately recognizable as a Wilder film. The film business had changed, and he probably had a hard time fitting into it as he aged. He only made three more films after this; the rest of his credits are for remakes.
Very interesting, a mix of comedy and drama, not vintage Wilder in this writer's opinion, but his films are always worth seeing.
Apparently this was a longer film. As it stands now, it has some great stuff in it, and also some parts that drag. The acting is superb all around. Stephens, a wonderful actor, is superb as a darker Holmes, Blakely makes a lively Watson, and Geneviève Page is excellent as Gabrielle Valladon. Wilder gives us a deeper look at Holmes and his sexual identity. Lee as a bald Mycroft does a great job - it's inspired casting.
Though this film has Wilder touches, it's not immediately recognizable as a Wilder film. The film business had changed, and he probably had a hard time fitting into it as he aged. He only made three more films after this; the rest of his credits are for remakes.
Very interesting, a mix of comedy and drama, not vintage Wilder in this writer's opinion, but his films are always worth seeing.